Examples of How to Learn Using DP 2

Goals

1. Give examples that illustrate how to learn golf, chemistry, and active listening. Each example should reveal the following framework.

   Goals: The conditions the learner is striving for.

   Fundamentals: The essential topics needed for competence.

   Growth Loops (GAGL = Get → Apply → Grow Loops) Get good info about a fundamental. Apply this in the real world. Grow you knowledge and skill by getting feedback and reflecting on what is

Golf

Goals: Average a score of 90 or better. Enjoy the game immensely with little or no frustration.

Fundamentals: Grip, stance, swing, putting, pitching, chipping, and so on.

Growth Loops: To engage in growth loops, pick one fundamental—for example, the golf swing—and go through the following steps:

1. Get good information about how to swing a golf club. Many teachers, books, and videos clearly explain this fundamental.

2. Apply the golf swing in the real world: at home, on the driving range, and on the golf course.

3. Grow by getting feedback—observe your results, record video of your swing, ask experienced golfers for input, and reflect on issues such as missing the ball, topping it, or lacking distance. Identify what’s working and what needs adjustment.

Repeat these loops with each fundamental. Over time, you steadily improve your grip, stance, swing, chipping, pitching, and putting—making consistent progress toward your goal of scoring under 90 and enjoying the game more and more.

Chemistry

Goals: Master the fundamentals of chemistry and apply them to solve problems, make decisions, explain concepts, build models, and perform calculations. Be able to effectively solve more than 80% of typical problems found in high school or introductory college chemistry textbooks.

Fundamentals: Atomic structure, periodic table, bonding types, mole concept, chemical reactions, states of matter, energy changes, chemical equations, and more.

Growth Loops: To engage in growth loops, pick one fundamental—for example, balancing chemical equations—and go through the following steps:

1. Get clear and accurate information about how to balance chemical equations. Many teachers, textbooks, and videos explain this concept effectively.

2. Apply what you’ve learned by practicing with a variety of chemical equations—especially those from your textbook or reliable online sources.

3. Grow by checking your answers, reflecting on what made sense and what didn’t, and figuring out how to improve. Use answer keys, ask for help, or use tools to verify your work.

Repeat these loops with each fundamental. Over time, your understanding and skills will become stronger and more automatic—helping you solve problems accurately and reach your goal.

Active Listening

Active listening is the skill of giving full attention to a speaker—understanding their message, empathizing with their feelings, and responding in a way that helps them feel heard, understood, and valued. This skill is essential for counselors, coaches, leaders, managers, parents, and anyone who wants to build strong, respectful relationships.

Goal: Excel at active listening, as measured by how others respond—specifically, whether they feel heard, understood, and valued after speaking with you.

Fundamentals:
- Giving full attention
- Empathy
- Observing without judgment
- Asking thoughtful questions
- Paraphrasing to confirm understanding
- Nonverbal communication (e.g., eye contact, nodding, posture) - And More …

Growth Loops: To engage in growth loops, pick one fundamental—for example, paraphrasing—and go through the following steps:

1. Get clear information about how to paraphrase effectively. Books, communication courses, and videos from skilled listeners can all demonstrate this technique.

2. Apply what you’ve learned in real conversations. Practice restating what the other person has said in your own words to confirm understanding.

3. Grow by noticing how the other person responds. Do they nod, open up more, or seem relieved? Ask for feedback when appropriate: “Did that come across the way you meant it?” Use this input to reflect and adjust.

Repeat these loops with each fundamental. Over time, your ability to listen deeply and skillfully will grow—leading others to consistently feel heard, understood, and valued in your presence.